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Cat Scan to detect Ovarian Cancer

My mom had a cat scan recently and was told she had ovarian cancer, she was told she has to be operated on immediately. I didn't realize that a cat scan could confirm that, wouldn't there have to be a biopsy first?
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Avatar universal
Usually with Ovarian Cancer it's metastasized (spread) so the radiologist who interpreted the CT-Scan can usually see the tumor(s) on the ovary(ies) and it's tumor spread to adjacent tissue or lymph nodes...it's tell-tale signs of ovarian cancer, that's probably why.  I'm sure they must have also done a ca-125 test, but the radiology is usually VERY clear what is going on.  The only other thing they might have done would be an ultrasound.  Now if it was confined to the ovary(ies) then they may not have sounded so itchy to get to surgery...because it may be something else.  Be aggressive when they tell you things (or lack of)...ask for clarification, ask why why why why why...be the advocate of your mom.  Hope all works out for your mom!
Helpful - 0
187666 tn?1331173345
I thank you for your knowledge about PET scans. I wasn't sure if it could be used for ovarian cancer but it seemed like such a neat idea. So many women have just a TVUS and then are left wondering what's going on in there. It would be nice if doctors took this ovarian stuff more seriously.
Helpful - 0
315 tn?1230998574
I was dx by Ct scan as well.  Then I was referred to a onc/gyn for the surgery. The surgery will determine the stage as well as the grade of the cancer..(grade refers to how fast is grows)and the cell type.  All the ladies advice is right on track....you defintely want a gyn/onc for the surgery,they are the best,have more training and it has been determined that using a onc/gyn for the debulking surgery actually increases one surgical outcomes, the more they remove the better. A Pet scan is a good indicator for ovca,but unfortunately it hasn't been approved yet for ovca...which means if your insurance company won't pay for the test, you could be looking at a 5000.00 test. It's an easy test,using a glucose solution..the cancer cells like sugar so they will light up on the test of any areas that have cancer cells. I have nodules on my lungs so I'm able to have the PET scan paid for by insurance.  Good luck,I'm sorry your Mom is sick~~~Joanne
Helpful - 0
272338 tn?1252280404
The others have given you excellent advice. If your mom had a CT scan there must have been a reason for them wanting the scan. And like Jan said, I am sure that her Dr would not tell her it was cancer if he was not sure. Please make sure that you make the next step be ssking the advice of a gyn/onc and if surgery is done, make sure that it is a gyn/onc who performs it.
I wish your mom the very best.
   Chris
Helpful - 0
187666 tn?1331173345
We were recently told by my Dad's oncologist that CT scans will see lesions but they can't tell if they're malignant by that alone. They just did a PET scan yesterday and that can track down the cancerous areas. They started a glucose IV with some radioactive tracer in it. The onc said cancer loves sugar and the glucose/tracer will settle into the malignant areas and they can scan and see them that way. Anyone else heard of this?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I agree with everyone -- go see a GYN/ONC for the second opinion and the surgery -- if the CT was read correctly it is a better diagnostic tool than the CA125 and the ultrasound --- and depending on  how the mass is located and size etc, just doing a biopsy could end up breaking off some cells and leaving them loose which is not a good alternative -- she should see a GYN/ONC get everything removed and biopsied after the removal.  You decide what to do depending on those results.
Helpful - 0
408448 tn?1286883821
My CT was enough to know it was cancer.  Biopsy and surgey were needed to know stage and tissue type.  It did not even take an expert to diagnose mine as cancer from even the trans vag ultra sound.  I saw it on the screen and knew for sure it was cancer and that there was alot of it.  I hope she does see a good gyn/onc and that things turn out well.  Marie
Helpful - 0
498596 tn?1210700259
my mother has gone through two surgeries and chemos last year. At first the wanted to make a biopsy but ovarian cancer is not a defined tumor and even by biopsy, some cancer cells could spread around abdomen.
They guess it's a cancer from the shape and the way it has grown.
After surgery they analize the tumor and determine which kind of cells it's made of, which stage, which chemo......
A biopsy before could be a risk

Be confident and positive!!!!

a warm hug

Moira
Helpful - 0
282804 tn?1236833591
Most people do think that you need a biopsy to tell about cancer, but that is just not true.  In some cases it can be iffy, but if her Dr has told her she has cancer than she does.  It is highly unlikely that any medical professional would tell someone that without knowing for sure.  It has happened on rare occasions, but not often.  My gyn referred me to an oncologist and he didn't need to order any more tests or anything as my gyn had already sent me for a TVUS and had done a CA125.  Actually, before my debulking surgery I had to have the surgery to put my chemo port and I know they would not have done that if they were not 100% sure it was cancer.
Have they referred her to a gyn/oncologist yet or is that the opinion you stated above?  Having a gynonc do the surgery is your mom's best chance of getting the best care possible.  They have 3 extra years of school.  
Good luck and please know that this is a great community for support for both the patients and the caregivers. Dolet us know how things go and do come back.  Being a caregiver is not easy and you will need some support yourself.
Jan
Helpful - 0
155056 tn?1333638688
As much as we say that nothing is for certain without a biopsy, the doctors can tell when something is very wrong.

Everyone is giving you great advice....see a GYN/ONC and make certain that is who does the surgery.  They have 3  years addtional training over OB/GYNs and are the specialists in gynocological issues.

Best of luck to you and keep in touch.
Pam
Helpful - 0
523728 tn?1264621521
My CT scan was enough for the docs to take immediate action as proposed for your mom.  They figured it was OVCA 3C and they were right.  They sent me to a gyn/onc who did my surgery.  Make sure she is referred to one, a regular surgeon or gyn is not as qualified.
Sharon B
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If surgery is warrented, please have surgery with gyn-oncologist.  Good advice above to seek second opinion (again gyn-onc is best for 2nd opinion) and to keep copies of reports, etc.  

Hope first doc is wrong.
Take care.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am so sorry to hear about your  Mom's troubles. I would seek second opinion immediately. Ask for Mom's CT images on CD  and keep them for your references.Yes,laparoscopic biopsy is needed to confirm if,  in fact   what they see is cancer!!!???
Hugs,Sunes.
Helpful - 0
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